EP0784965B1 - Mobile device for use in dental applications for registering and transmitting data - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a usable in dental practice mobile device for recording and transmitting data from a central patient data management file dental diagnostic and / or therapy device and vice versa.

Mobile devices for recording and transmitting patient-specific Data in a central patient data management file and vice versa are known.

DE-9 018 059 U1, for example, describes a system for storing, Provision and update of fixed and / or variable patient and treatment data are described, where a stationary computer central unit with Storage unit is provided in a patient file Existing patient data can be saved in the form of data records are. To patient-specific data with the help of magnetic strips and / or to be able to enter chip cards more easily, a mobile unit is assigned to the computer central unit, one to the data interface of the computer central unit compatible data interface. The mobile Unit also includes a processor unit controlled Sub-storage unit for storing patient-specific Data and at least one of the sub-memory assigned reading unit for the magnetic stripe and / or the Smart card. It also has two outputs. The one is used to display saved and / or entered patient-specific Data, the other serves the data transmitted from the mobile unit to the computer central unit to be able to.

With this system you can get on a health insurance card stored data in a simple manner in the mobile unit saved and then in practice via the data interface read into the stationary computer central unit become. The practical benefit lies essentially in the fact that, for example, the results determined during home visits documented on site and then in practice on the stationary Computer central unit can be transmitted.

A dental practice usually includes one Management system a variety of diagnostic and / or therapy devices, that have different functions to perform. As is known, dental treatments, in particular Dental preparations at the actual treatment place (Patient chair with treatment unit). Diagnostic Some of the work is done with the help of (intraoral or Panoramic) X-ray equipment performed. Prosthetics and prophylaxis work are partly external to the treatment center stationed devices performed.

The practitioner needs the information, which is sometimes generated locally but mostly centrally at the treatment place or at the Place where he is looking for a conversation with the patient and then wants to carry out the diagnosis or therapy. This So far, needs can only be met by that the above-mentioned devices by commercially available Networks are linked together.

The invention specified in claim 1 is based on the object in contrast to achieve an improvement. In particular should a cheaper, a relatively complex, Network linking avoiding and at the same time more flexible solution be created with which it is possible, which in the Practice existing diagnostic and / or therapeutic devices, under Taking into account patient-specific or during a diagnosis or setting data collected during treatment, easier to use.

The invention is based on the knowledge that diagnosis, Therapy or administration data always connected raised or generated with the patient. According to According to the invention, this data is always available where it is are just needed.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention the device according to the invention an LCD display, various memories, a programmable control panel, an interface to Communication with the relevant diagnostic or therapy device to which it is adaptable, the necessary control electronics as well as one or more, preferably rechargeable Batteries for energy supply.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the invention Device with a microphone and / or with means be equipped for wireless data transmission. The device can also be used with a device in the form of an electronic Combined pen, the handwritten input Allows you to take notes or select items standardized input masks.

With the help of a suitable interface, the invention Device to any dental device for diagnosis and / or therapy is used. It is possible that a dental device, the control panel and the display of the uses mobile data transmission device. With the help of a transmission protocol can corresponding after establishing a connection Transfer input masks from the respective dental device become.

In addition, the mobile device can be used for playback of music or video films used before in digitized form via the patient management system have been fed into the device. Further it can be an advantage can be used as a control unit for computer games, wherein the corresponding programs also from the patient management system be dubbed.

Below is an embodiment of the invention Device and its possibilities in connection with different Dental devices described in more detail.

Figure 1 shows a graphical representation Embodiment of the mobile device according to the invention. The Device generally designated 1 includes a lower housing section 1a with various controls 2 and one upper housing section 1b with a display 3. The lower Housing section 1a is dimensioned so that it by hand of an operator can be handled. The display 3 is preferred an LCD display.

On one narrow side of the lower housing section 1a there are mechanical and electrical adaptation means 4, 5 for coupling to a dental device. The adaptation means 4, 5 can be arranged as separate adaptation means or also as a combined adapter unit his. Are on the right side of the housing section 1a Two connection sockets 6, 7 are provided, on the one hand Microphone 8 and on the other hand an electronic stylus 9 connected can be like this from the block diagram can be seen in Figure 2.

With reference to Figure 2 it can be seen that the central Element for processing and controlling incoming and outgoing Data is a microcontroller 10 that has an interface 11 and a memory 12 is connected. the interface 11 is designed so that it with the concerned Dental device to which the device 1 for recording and transmission of data is adaptable, can communicate. The mechanical and electrical connection is made as before mentioned, via the contact bar 5.

FIG. 3 shows a graphical representation of the in Figure 1 shown device 1, coupled to a dental device for dental treatment, in particular for tooth preparation, one Patient. Through the interactive link via the Interface 11 with the electronics of the dental device 13 can the LCD display 3 also for displaying various data of the dental device be used, e.g. to display certain operating parameters or diagnostic results. For example, that Display 3 to show the speed of the not explained here Dental instruments 14 serve. Figure 4 shows one Arrangement in which the device according to the invention to an X-ray device coupled to create intraoral X-rays is.

The control electronics can be designed so that with the coupling of the device according to the invention to the X-ray device from this a control program for controlling the control panel 2 of the device is transferred. This creates from the mobile device in connection with the dental X-ray device, the associated control unit and an existing electronic Sensor (15) practically a complete X-ray device, whereby the mobile device for controlling and displaying the one and outgoing data. The x-ray can thus advantageously triggered by the mobile device, whereby the X-ray device via the interface 11 to the result image transmits the computer 10 contained in the mobile device. Advantageous it can also be the mobile device to the remote control device to dock an X-ray machine. the display 3 can also be used to check the recording quality an X-ray image can be used.

Further applications are conceivable in connection with a panorama X-ray device or an imaging system. The control panel The mobile device can also be used e.g. switching a camera light on and off or Trigger video recordings. Again, the commands are over the interface 11 is output.

Measuring systems with which for example properties of the chewing system of a patient, or with the bacterial chemical or electrical Properties determined for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes have to be determined. The mobile device serves as a control and display device and can be used as a data carrier Find use.

Another possible application is in connection with dental devices for the production of fittings from industrial ceramics or other grinding or milling materials.

The interface 11 between the device according to the invention and one of the aforementioned dental devices to which it is coupled can be provided, as already mentioned, also be wireless. In this case owns the mobile device a selection menu via which the user can specify which device the portable unit is connected to should kick. This menu can already be used with the relevant treatment data from the practice management system be transmitted. The wireless connection can either via a central switching station; the A connection can also be established directly.

The central operator would have the task if several Devices are used to keep track of which of the above Devices are currently in use. Once found is that one of the mobile stations with an already occupied Device would like to connect, it would be the mobile Communicate unit.

The mobile devices have a direct connection at least two transmission modes. The basic mode serves the Establishing connections and exchanging features, such as Memory size, picture format or the like. This fashion is all systems together. On the basis of those exchanged in basic fashion Information decides whether the dental device Connection establishment is possible and with which transmission method is worked. This information becomes mobile Station transmitted. Then both transmit and receive devices switch to the agreed work fashion around and lock the base mode so that no other mobile station can connect to this dental device. After completion this transmission both devices fall back into the Basic fashion. This can be done by sending an appropriate command from the protocol belonging to the interface, happen. The command can only be given by the station that is currently broadcasting. The interface can handle common operating voltages, such as + 5V or + 12V voltages. The operating voltages are preferred for charging one battery arranged in the mobile device and for the operation of additional facilities, such as video imaging, are used could be integrated into the mobile device.

When communicating between one of the listed dental devices and the mobile device originally fall both digital as well as analog information. Will communication between the dental devices and the mobile device by means of Realized plug connection, the interface contains additional Channels through which digital information, preferably in parallel form. The transfer is advantageously characterized in that with the actual Information signals are transmitted that determine when a transmitted date is valid. The analog data are preferably digitized by the dental device and then transferred accordingly. The interface can also have channels provide with which to transmit analog information can be. This in turn can be combined with signals happen that determine when a broadcast date is valid is. If a wireless form of transmission is selected, you can this information is imprinted on the selected medium.

A is added to the interface in the device according to the invention Transmission protocol defined. This protocol consists of one or more commands, the data to be transmitted and an acknowledgment signal. The commands can be sent or be received. The reaction of the device to certain commands can the dental device from the practice management system be stamped out.

With the help of the commands, the mobile device can be in a basic state be transferred; it can include the Register and deregister the dental device, transmit its license plates, connect, transfer codes or files.

Furthermore, the mobile device can do this using such commands be prompted to install tax information or to activate and input or output data.

5 and a flowchart shown in FIG different ways are shown how to can use the device according to the invention.

Figure 5 shows a schematic of a dental Practice with five rooms R1 to R5. There is a in the reception room R1 Central computer ZR installed. In room 2 is the actual treatment place with a treatment device G1, for example as shown in Fig. 3. Located in room R3 a G2 X-ray machine for taking panoramic X-rays. The room R4 contains, for example, that in FIG. 4 already shown X-ray device G3, with which intraoral Have X-rays taken. Located in room R5 a G4 device for creating prosthetic fitting bodies.

As soon as a patient is in the practice at the reception, i.e. externally registers at the treatment center, he will receive an electronic one Device of the type described above (Fig. 1) handed out. In this mobile device are previously from the central patient management file of the central computer ZR in the room special patient data entered. For this, the device coupled with the central computer (ZR) in the aforementioned manner. The relevant data for the planned treatment or are necessary for the course of treatment with help the input means provided for this (control elements 2) and stored in the memory 10 of the mobile device.

Treatment plans, therapy proposals, Image data and measurement results, but also parameters for Control of the workplace or individual instruments on Workplace, come into question. The information entered are filed in a standardized manner and after coupling with the Dental device, as shown for example in Figure 3, on the transfer relevant dental device. As mentioned, happens this via the interface 10 and the adapter 5.

With these read into the memory of the mobile device Data can then be diverse on the various devices G1 to G4 Diagnoses and therapies are carried out.

From the central computer ZR (or another suitable Memory) can also audio and / or video programs in the mobile device can be imported. These imported programs can the patient before and / or during treatment or also play during treatment breaks. The treatment or possible Waiting times can be more entertaining for the patient shape. The programs can preferably be music programs, be video game programs when treating children.

As can be seen from the flow chart according to FIG. 6, others can Examination devices G5 and G6 are used, e.g. imaging systems or data acquisition systems that use appropriate sensors data for prophylaxis, diagnosis or Raise therapy. The device G6 can, for example, be a video system with which video images can be created. The device G5 can be a measuring system with which certain prophylaxis data (e.g. about the patient's chewing behavior) recorded and in the central patient administration can be transferred.

At the end of treatment, everyone becomes new during treatment generated data from the mobile device back into the practice management system retransfer. Possible voice inputs, which are entered via the microphone 8 are then in translated a textual representation. The treatment plan for the patient is thus updated and is ready for the next Treatment appointment prepared.

In the arrangement shown in the embodiment of Figure 3 is via the electrical connector using the Adapters 5 connect to the central computer in the implement 13 (G1). The inclusion is advantageous initiated by the mobile device. For this, the one Expression of the communication protocol used by all dental devices that are suitable in a treatment practice is supported. When setting up this communication route gives the mobile device in a standardized form on request or directly characteristics of the device, such as Memory size, image formats or transmission characteristics known. On the basis of these features, the device initiated, in the exemplary embodiment the device 13, decide whether to establish a connection is possible. The result of this decision is the calling device over the communication link communicated. When communication is established, agreed at the same time with which transmission characteristics the connection is established. This can e.g. can be fed back via the display 13. The practice management system has the information recorded in the mobile device with the help of a standardized table of contents structured. This table of contents can be found at the initiation are transferred to the treatment device. The data can be read out completely or successively and be shown on a display, alternatively the Display 3 of the mobile device or the dental device assigned own display to show the information can be used. Because of the stored data can then, after initiation, be used for the planned treatment favorable setting values, e.g. Operating parameters for Instruments or patient positioning positions, prepared become.

With the help of the input pen 9, handwritten notes, e.g. Findings, planned therapies or treatments carried out can be entered. The same applies to the microphone 8, which with an appropriately trained speech recognition and / or recording system. It is conceivable to use an artificial language with a certain vocabulary to define who is tailored to the needs of the dentist is.

If treatment on one dental device is interrupted is and in the meantime on another dental device Diagnosis must be continued, e.g. an x-ray must be created, so the mobile electronic device removed from the dental device 13 and to the other device on which the diagnosis is to be carried out, adapted accordingly.

When the treatment is finished, the mobile device is connected to the Given to reception. There the device is connected via the interface again with the central patient management system (ZR) connected. All newly created data are read out and transferred to the electronic management system.

Claims (12)

1. Mobile appliance which can be used in dental practice for recording and transferring data from a central patient data management file (ZR) to a dental diagnosis and/or therapy appliance (G1 to G6) and vice versa, containing a control panel (2) with means for inputting data, electronics (10, 12) for processing and storing incoming data and an interface (11) for communicating with the diagnosis and/or therapy appliance (G1 to G6) to which the data are to be transmitted, and a display (3), characterized in that the electronics comprise a microcontroller (10) and an interface (11) which are designed such that, when coupled to the diagnosis and/or therapy appliance (G1 to G6), the control program thereof is transferred, so that the diagnosis and/or therapy appliance (G1 to G6) is controlled using the control panel (2), and the control data are displayed via the display (3) of the data transmission appliance (1).
2. Appliance according to Claim 1, containing means for recording and playing back audio and/or video programs.
3. Appliance according to Claim 1, containing means for adaptation to a dental X-ray appliance (G3) for producing intraoral X-ray pictures using a radiosensitive sensor (15), the display (3) being used for checking the picture quality of the images produced, by virtue of the image signals being routed via the interface (11) and the microcontroller (10).
4. Appliance according to Claim 1, containing a control program having a selection menu for one of a plurality of diagnosis and/or therapy appliances (G1 to G6) to be selected.
5. Appliance according to one of Claims 1 to 4, in the form of a portable hand-held appliance.
6. Appliance according to Claim 1, containing an input for connecting a microphone (8) for data input.
7. Appliance according to Claim 1, containing an input for connecting an electronic pin (9) for data input.
8. Appliance according to Claim 1, containing a power supply arranged in integrated form.
9. Appliance according to Claim 1, containing means for wireless data transmission.
10. Appliance according to Claim 1, containing means (4, 5) for adaptation to a remote control device for an X-ray appliance (G2, G3).
11. Appliance according to Claim 1, containing means for voice input and voice recognition with translation of the speech into a control and/or text mode.
12. Appliance according to Claim 11, containing means for inputting the data in an artificial language.

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